Teeny tiny little white bugs in run off

[green54321]

I'm using 5 gallon smart pots, and the last couple times I watered there were a bunch of teeny tiny little white bugs in the runoff in all 4 plants. The water seems to drown all of them that get washed out of the pots into the dishes.

I hadn't noticed any issues with the health of the plants, until a couple days ago when I moved them under my LEC's for the last few days of veg. before flipping (had been under fluorescents until then). Some of the upper leaves started to taco a little bit, but I figured that was from temps running a little warm.

I went ahead and did a big "end of veg" trim yesterday, and now they look pretty stressed. Just all around saggy and sad. They've been on a regular watering schedule and PH levels are all fine.

The only explanation I can think of is the bugs? Any hints to identify/treat them? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[ganjygav]

Do they jump about? If so springtails and nothing to worry about if not it may be thrips which can damage ya plant

 

[green54321]

I would say that yes, I think they jump around?

It's kind of tough to tell when they're so tiny and the only time I've seen them is when they're drowning.

I haven't seen any flying if that helps.

 

[ganjygav]

Springtails are easy to tell in water because they try springing around in the water too. They do eat roots but prefer dead roots. Some gardeners think they're a good thing so can't be all bad. Ivr had them a couple of times and just ignored them after I had a look on Google.
Thrips I've never had but I believe it's pretty simple to tell if you have them as well. Just google thrips and Cannabis and you will see signs of thrip damage.

It could just be your plants are stressed from the changes they have just been put through. My plants take about a week to adjust from cfl to hps and then you trimmed them. They're probably just a bit worn out and will pick back up soon enough.

 

[green54321]

Thanks for the input!

I watered again just to get another look and didn't really see them jumping around to speak of. Am trying to post a pic.

 

[green54321]

 

[green54321]

I've googled both springtails and thrips, and they don't look like full grown thrips but could be young ones?

I just can't tell for sure.

 

[buzzmobile]

Those are springtails.

 

[green54321]

Cool, thanks.

Update: it's a couple weeks later and the plants are doing great and the bugs have disappeared.

Woot!